Hallmark Movie Channel unveiled a robust slate of Original Premiere films at the annual Upfront presentation to advertisers in New York City today. The number of Original Premiere films increases again this year to 9 as the network continues on its strategy to make Hallmark Movie Channel one of the more popular offerings in cable. The announcement was made today by Michelle Vicary, Executive Vice President, Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel.

"Hallmark Movie Channel celebrates movies, all genres - mysteries, westerns, dramas, romances. It distinguishes itself from the product on Hallmark Channel which is all about seasons, holidays and special occasions," Ms. Vicary said.

"Hallmark Movie Channel Original films tell credible, authentic and emotional stories that the entire family can enjoy together, and I am pleased to announce an increase in the number of new HMC premieres every year for the foreseeable future," Ms. Vicary concluded.

Beth Landon, the queen of her small town's Strawberry Festival, pulls some strings to get country music heartthrob Jason Keith to preside at this year's celebration. Jason is only signing up for this to get great publicity. A very disenchanted Beth takes it upon herself to make sure Jason and his overblown ego stick to the schedule. When unexpected sparks fly between them, Beth and Jason help each other find the courage to pursue their real dreams in life. TV legend Shelley Long of "Cheers" and Trevor Donovan star. Premieres Q4.

GOODNIGHT FOR JUSTICE 3 "Queen of Hearts"

Luke Perry stars as John Goodnight in another epic installment to the Goodnight for Justice story. Goodnight rescues a beautiful woman from a stagecoach gunfight. As romance blooms between them, John discovers she isn't as innocent as she seems and is in fact a thief on the run. Ricky Schroder gives a remarkable performance as the vile outlaw who will stop at nothing to get his money back from the beautiful swindler and con-artist Goodnight is protecting.

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

Starring Wendie Malick ("Hot in Cleveland") and based on the book by best-selling author Susan Isaccs, Malick plays Audrey Bandon, a teacher, loving wife and mother of two. After celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary, Audrey is stunned when her husband tells her he wants a divorce and is in love with another woman. In the midst of picking up the pieces from her shattered life, Audrey awakens one night to discover he husband's dead body on the kitchen floor. Things go from bad to worse when she becomes the number one suspect in the ensuing murder investigation. With no one else to turn to, Audrey becomes her own private investigator determined to solve the crime and clear her name. Premieres April 2013.

SHADOW ON THE MESA

Wes Rawlins is considered one of the bet bounty hunters in the West. His life changes when he finds out that his mother is dead and the man responsible is still at large. Wes believes that his long lost father Ray Eastman is responsible and sets out to find him seeking revenge. Instead, he discovers that his father is involved in a territorial battle with a greedy landowner. As Wes draws close to the family he has never known, he stays to help them defend their homestead. Starring Kevin Sorbo, Greg Evigan, Gail O'Grady and Meredith Baxter. Premieres August 2013.

HOME SWEET HOME

A successful and single woman returns to her home town upon learning of the illness of the grandmother who raised her. She comes to reevaluate her life and to appreciate the values of love and family as she helps an old high school friend and rekindles a romance with an old flame.

THE TERMINALLY SINGLE WOMAN

A female journalist begins writing a column about the difficulty of dating and finds eventual romance from a writer with an opposing view who is then also invited to write a competing column to the one being written by his current girlfriend.

Currently in Development:

GARAGE SALE STALKER

Jennifer Shannon lives in secure, affluent McLean, VA, where she stumbles into danger lurking in places she thought were absolutely safe. Her passion for weekend treasure hunting at local garage and estate sales pulls her into a murder myster that she becomes determined to solve. "Garage Sale Stalker" is based on the best-selling book by Suzi Weinert.

NORMAL ROCKWELL'S SHUFFLETON BARBERSHOP

Inspired by one of Norman Rockwell's iconic paintings, Charlie Shuffleton's barbershop is where music is played, gossip is shared and friendships are formed. When Charlie dies, Trey, a well-known country singer, returns home to pay homage to the man who taught him so much. He must face his ghosts, including his father, "the General" and their lack of a relationship.

DESPERADO

Producer Walter Mirisch (Academy Award(R)-winning producer of "In the Heat of the Night") film project. Based on legendary Elmore Leonard's screenplay "Duell McCall," this was first produced in 1987 as a back-door pilot. Duell McCall is one of the few honest men in the wild frontier. When he is framed for the murder of a sheriff, he must find the one man who can clear him.

Hallmark Movie Channel, the second linear channel from Crown Media Holdings, Inc., simulcast in SD (Standard Definition) and HD (High Definition), is a 24-hour cable network dedicated to bringing viewers family-friendly movies with a mix of classic theatrical films, presentations from the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame library, original Hallmark Channel movies and special events. In today's crowded television landscape, the network is a unique and captivating entertainment experience, providing programming families can watch together. It is now available in nearly 47 million homes. Crown Media also operates Hallmark Channel which provides a diverse slate of high-quality entertainment to a national audience of 87 million subscribers.